EFF: Köln 75

This film is also showing at our sister cinemas, Lido Cinemas and Ritz Cinemas

Köln 75

Australian Premiere

“A genuinely enjoyable tribute to the legends behind the legends … the film bops with the zest of history being lived first-hand.” – IndieWire

The Köln Concert, a recording of jazz pianist Keith Jarrett’s improvised solo performance at the Opera House in Cologne, Germany on 24 January 1975, is still the bestselling solo album for both jazz and piano. This is the story of how that concert almost didn’t happen, and how, against all odds, music history was made because of the plucky determination of 18-year-old concert promoter Vera Brandes.

Played exuberantly by Mala Emde (And Tomorrow the Entire World), Vera believes whole-heartedly in the transcendent power of Jarrett’s music. Driven by her rebellious spirit and youthful chutzpah, she throws herself at any obstacle in the way of putting on this concert, from the disapproval of her strict father to the doubts of friends who believe jazz is passé, and even an eleventh-hour piano tune-up.

Unlike other music biopics, this rousing true story is about the unsung heroes backstage who bring all the ingredients together for the magic to happen in the spotlight. John Magaro (Past Lives) co-stars as Jarrett and Michael Chernus (Severance) plays music critic Michael Watts.

Festivals & Awards

Berlin International Film Festival 2025 – Special Gala
German Film Awards 2025 – Nominee, Outstanding Feature Film, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Editing
Istanbul Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection

Rating

Unclassified 18+

Duration

115 min

Country

Germany, Poland, Belgium

Language

German, English (English subtitles)

Cast

Mala Emde, John Magaro, Michael Chernus, Alexander Scheer, Ulrich Tukur

Director

Ido Fluk